Thiago Fernández, a 21-year-old Argentinian midfielder who is in the process of recovering from a knee ligament rupture, has decided not to renew his contract with Vélez and will leave the club as a free agent in December. He is reportedly in advanced negotiations to join Villarreal in Spain for January 2026. The talented midfielder, who rose through the ranks of Vélez's youth divisions and became a pivotal player for the team that clinched the 2024 Liga Profesional title, has opted against extending his contract as he nears the final phase of his rehabilitation. Despite Vélez's efforts to negotiate an extension, Fernández is determined to move to Villarreal. It remains uncertain if Guillermo Barros Schelotto will consider him for the rest of his tenure at the club. Transfermarkt estimates his market value to be €6.50m, and he has previously been linked with clubs such as Lazio and River Plate.